D44.6

Billable

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of carotid body

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 23 — Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers

0.251

V24HCC 12 — Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers and Tumors

0.150

ESRDHCC 12 — Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers and Tumors

0.000

RxHCCHCC 22 — Cancer, Other Specified Sites

0.000

What This Code Means

A tumor of uncertain behavior that develops in the carotid body, a small sensory organ located in the neck near the carotid artery.

Coding Tips

•This code is for tumors of uncertain behavior, not confirmed malignant or benign neoplasms
•Document the specific location (carotid body) to ensure accurate code selection

Clinical Significance

Neoplasms of uncertain behavior of the carotid body are typically paragangliomas (also called chemodectomas or glomus tumors) that develop in the chemoreceptor tissue at the carotid bifurcation. While most carotid body tumors are benign, approximately 5-10% exhibit malignant behavior with regional or distant metastases, justifying the uncertain behavior classification.

Documentation Requirements

✓Documentation should identify the carotid body location, supported by neck imaging (computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography) showing a hypervascular mass at the carotid bifurcation.
✓Genetic testing for hereditary paraganglioma syndromes (succinate dehydrogenase mutations) should be documented when performed.
✓Specify laterality.

Commonly Confused Codes

D44.7 (uncertain behavior of aortic body and other paraganglia) is used for paragangliomas at other sites.C75.4 (malignant neoplasm of carotid body) is used when malignant behavior is confirmed.D35.5 (benign neoplasm of carotid body) is used when pathology confirms benign behavior.

Code Hierarchy

└D44Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of endocrine glands └D44.6Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of carotid body

└D44.6Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of carotid body